1 - 3 IT Essentials I v2.0 - Lab 2.3.9 Copyright 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. Lab 2.3.9: Video Card Identification Estimated time: 35 Minutes Objective The major features and specifications of different video cards will be discussed in this lab. After completion of this lab, the student will be able to identify the video card by any markings on the card. These markings may include a manufacturer’s name or part number. Some cards may be identified only by the physical layout of the card. Equipment The following equipment is required for this exercise: • ESD wrist strap • Standard tool kit • Lab workstation with AGP video card installed • Internet access • Manufacturer manuals Scenario The student is an avid gamer and wishes to compare the features of all the video cards available. Since the latest and greatest video card is needed for the latest and greatest games, special attention has to be paid to the manufacturer and performance specifications of each video card. Procedures A video adapter, or card, is an expansion card that allows the computer to display images on a monitor. It also determines the monitor depth and resolution. The need for the video card is determined by the intended use of the system. For example, a system used for gaming will need a much more advanced card than one used for word processing. Step 1 After removing the system case, remove the video card from the expansion slot. When working with video cards, like any other component on the inside of a computer, take special care to be grounded and make sure to use an antistatic wrist strap. If the video card is damaged, the computer will be useless until a new video card is installed. Research and supply the following information: Manufacturer: Model number: URL site: Key features: System requirements: Cost: 2 - 3 IT Essentials I v2.0 - Lab 2.3.9 Copyright 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. Terms Research the following terms using these and other Internet resources: • http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia • http://www.webopedia.com/ AGP port: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ EDO RAM: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Pixel: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Refresh rate: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Resolution: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Troubleshooting When working with video cards, like any other component on the inside of a computer, take special care to be grounded and make sure to use an antistatic wrist strap. If the only video card is damaged, the computer will be useless until a new video card is installed. Reflection 3 - 3 IT Essentials I v2.0 - Lab 2.3.9 Copyright 2002, Cisco Systems, Inc. Did any of the video cards that were worked with have a heat sink or a fan on the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Are video cards with a heat sink or fan on the GPU available? __________________________________________________________________ Why would having a separate processor on a video card help performance? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ . 1 - 3 IT Essentials I v2.0 - Lab 2. 3. 9 Copyright 20 02, Cisco Systems, Inc. Lab 2. 3. 9: Video Card Identification Estimated time: 35 Minutes Objective. site: Key features: System requirements: Cost: 2 - 3 IT Essentials I v2.0 - Lab 2. 3. 9 Copyright 20 02, Cisco Systems, Inc. Terms Research the following